The son of renowned English cricket player Graham Thorpe has shared about receiving a supportive message from his ‘hero’ Gareth Southgate following his father’s tragic passing in 2024 due to suicide. Henry Thorpe, his son, disclosed the difficulty he faced in coping with his father’s death, which occurred when Graham was 55 years old, just two years after he lost his position as an assistant coach for the England cricket team.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Henry mentioned that he only learned the true circumstances surrounding his father’s death six months later, and he expressed how he struggled emotionally and found himself in a dark place afterward. However, he highlighted the impact of a heartfelt message from Gareth Southgate during one of the most challenging moments of his life.
Henry recounted an interaction with Southgate at his father’s event at the Oval, where despite feeling overwhelmed, he later reached out to Southgate via LinkedIn. To his surprise, Southgate responded with a lengthy email offering support and connecting him with valuable contacts. Henry admired Southgate as a personal hero for his leadership and transformative culture.
Following his father’s demise, Henry decided to leave his job at M&C Saatchi Merlin. Despite the emotional toll, he gained a new perspective on his father’s career and accomplishments. Reflecting on the unexpected loss, Henry expressed the mix of emotions it stirred within him, including anger, resentment, and sadness, alongside a deep sense of pride in his father, Graham Thorpe.
Graham Thorpe, who represented England from 1993 to 2005, played 100 test matches and achieved 16 test centuries. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching and was set to lead the Afghanistan team in 2022 but fell ill before commencing his role.
For those in need of emotional support, the Samaritans helpline at 116 123 is available 24/7, along with the option to email jo@samaritans.org, visit a branch in person, or access their website for assistance.
